Hose clamp removal and installation tool

Abstract

A hose clamp compression tool for engaging and compressing opposed or opposite end tangs of a hose clamp includes a first fixed plate and jaw and a second fixed plate spaced from the first fixed plate and jaw. The first and second plates are mounted on rails with a sliding plate and jaw also mounted on the rails and positioned between the fixed plates. The sliding plate is rotatably adjustable in spacing from the one fixed plate by means of a threaded rod journaled to the fixed plates and threaded to the sliding plate. The jaws each include both a transverse slot cooperative with an end tang of a band type hose clamp and a channel extending from the slot for engagement with the end tang of a ring or wire type hose clamp thereby enabling use of the tool for either a band type or a wire type hose clamp.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This is a continuation-in-part application incorporating by reference and claiming priority to previously filed co-pending utility application Ser. No. 11 / 509,943 filed Aug. 25, 2006 entitled “Hose Clamp Removal and Installation Tool” and provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 596,316 filed Sep. 15, 2005 entitled “Spring Band Clamp Removal Tool”.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In a principal aspect, the present invention relates to a tool for installation and / or removal of a hose clamp type in the form of a generally circular band or wire ring with at least first and second projecting end tangs that may be engaged to move toward one another and thereby expand the circumference of the band to release the band from a hose or other clamping operation performed by the band.[0003]Hose clamps are often utilized in the automotive field and for numerous other purposes to retain a hose inserted or fitted onto a tubular shaft, hose fitting or stem. A ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The hose clamp removal tool includes first and second cylindrical parallel rails connected together by opposed, spaced end plates. An intermediate slide plate is slidably mounted on the rails between the first and second, spaced end plates that are affixed to the parallel rails. The slide plate is threadably engaged by a threaded rod, that is, journaled at opposite ends in the first and second end plates and thus is slidably movable between the first and second end plates upon rotation of the threaded rod. The slide plate and opposed first end plate each include a tang engagement member which, in a disclosed embodiment, comprises a transverse slot and a guide ramp which facilitates positioning of the tangs or ends of a hose clamp within the clamp device between the slide plate and a fixed end plate. Additionally, the slide plate and opposed first end plate each include at least one off center slot or channel extending normal to the transverse slot in the respective plates, each slot sized to engage circular cross section tangs of circular cross section or wire hose clamps.

[0009]The rails of the hose clamp are spaced laterally, one from the other, in a manner which facilitates alignment of a band type hose clamp appropriately between the rails. The rails function to preclude slippage of the band hose clamp from the hose clamp tool during operation of the tool. The band hose clamp tool may thereby be engaged with the tangs of a hose clamp to thereby effectively open or spread the hose clamp. The tool may remain engaged with the band style hose clamp and facilitate replacement of the band hose clamp on a hose once a repair or replacement operation has been effected.

[0010]The ring or wire type hose clamp is maintained against slippage by the slots in the opposed end plate and slide plate. The slots in the end plate and slide plate are equidistant from the center line axis between the parallel rails to avoid skewing of the clamp upon removal.

[0012]It is a further object of the invention to provide a hose clamp tool which facilitates maintenance of a hose clamp in engagement with the hose clamp tool for band type and ring or wire type hose clamps.

[0014]Another object of the invention is to provide a hose clamp tool which is rugged, easy to use, compact, capable of being made in various sizes, useful in restricted spaces, capable of use in combination with a socket type drive, and generally inexpensive.

Problems solved by technology

While such tools provide some functionality which achieves the objective of engaging and holding a hose clamp in an open position, the design of such tools may not provide desired benefits or advantages.

Images